Calendar

September – November 2015

Operation Holiday Joy was initially established in collaboration with Woman’s Day Magazine and their readers to raise awareness and funds for military service members and their families during the holidays. Since 2004, Operation Holiday Joy supporters have donated more than $1.5 million for military and their families. YOUR generosity has allowed us to purchase and distribute more than 320,000 toys as well as deliver over 25,000 baskets of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas to junior enlisted families in need.

We are continuing to see an increased need in both demand and support for this program. These young heroes and their families are voluntarily serving and sacrificing daily so we can continue to enjoy our freedoms and way of life. YOUR support demonstrates an appreciation for the sacrifices required of these dedicated defenders of our country. We look forward to receiving your support to continue making military life easier this holiday, and every holiday season.

If you are a service member or family member in need, please contact your local Armed Services YMCA location to learn more about Operation Holiday Joy programming available where you live.

If you are a business owner or corporate representative and are interested in supporting Operation Holiday Joy, please contactJonsie Stone, Director of Financial Development.

Donations could include financial support, toy and gift card donations, as well as gift wrap and packaging, please contact Giselle Schneider, Operation Holiday Joy Program Director.

Total Amount Raised to Date by Woman’s Day Readers Since 2004:

More Than $1.5 million

Over 9,000 Individual Donors

Military Family Month was established in 1993 by the Armed Services YMCA, with the U.S. Government formally recognizing the occasion every year since. In 2009 proclamation, President Barack Obama called on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our Nation during Military Family Month. Each November, the Armed Services YMCA celebrates Military Family Month to demonstrate the nation’s support and commitment to the families of military personnel. With so many service members deployed throughout the world, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by military families has never been more important.

Each year during Military Family Month, The Armed Services YMCA also announces the guidelines and opens entries to the Annual Student Art & Essay Contest. Stay tuned for Contest Rules, events, discounts and tips on how you can help recognize Military Families during Military Family Month.

The 9th Annual Angels of the Battlefield will honor medics, corpsmen and pararescuemen who administer life-saving medical treatment and trauma care on the battlefield. These Angels of the Battlefield are compassionate men and women who risk everything and are often the reason why so many of our nation’s heroes wounded in battle have made it home to their families and communities. Angels is the only event which recognizes the frontline actions of military medical personnel.

The ASYMCA works with the military Services to select a medic, corpsmen, and pararescuemen from each. The honorees receive awards on behalf of their fellow medical professionals for their dedication and commitment to the mission.

Historically, this unique event brings together approximately 300 leaders from entertainment, government, military and private sector to recognize the dedication and bravery of our medics, corpsmen and pararescuemen.

The ASYMCA is proud to have honored over 450 to date.

This year’s gala will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC from 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.